The familiar face of Daryl Burroughs is continuing to lead the Pennington Borough Police Department, but this time in a new role as chief of police.
Burroughs, who was promoted to lieutenant in 2025 and has led the department’s day-to-day operations as officer-in-charge, was approved by Borough Council members to serve as the borough’s next chief of police on Nov. 2.
“This is such a great day,” Mayor James Davy said.
Borough Attorney Walter Bliss administered Burroughs oath of office.
“Mayor and council, I just thank you for the decision to promote me to chief of the Pennington Police Department. It is not a position everyone is able to achieve, and I do not take it lightly,” Burroughs said.
“Finally, I want to say that in November of 2008 Pennington Borough did something no one else did they had faith in me and hired me. Thank you again for showing me that faith.”
Davy shared that the decision in 2008 to hire Burroughs was best decision Pennington made that year and his promotion to chief of police is an even better decision.
Burroughs had held the rank of Sergeant First Class since 2022 and was officially appointed officer-in-charge of the police department in February 2025 following the retirement of former Police Chief Doug Pinelli.
Pinelli had assigned Burroughs to be officer-in-charge at the beginning of 2025 prior to the council’s official appointment.
“Daryl has been with us for a long time. He has really worked his way up from patrolman to sergeant to lieutenant. He has done really amazing things with the department,” Council member Catherine Chandler said. “I am absolutely thrilled and confident to have him as our next chief of police.”
Pennington made a switch from a public safety director model to police chief after former Public Safety Director William Meytrott retired.
Meytrott hired Burroughs who has been with the department for 18 years.
Pennington had been evaluating a long-term leadership model for the police department since Pinelli retired. Chandler said to the Hopewell Valley News that Pennington never really went away from the chief of police model.
“History of Pennington Borough is we had a chief of police. Then in the late 1980s, early 1990s the borough went to the police director model and away from the chief of police model,” she added.
“When [Bill] Meytrott retired. The borough had the conversation of what do we do with director or do we go back to chief of police. We did decide to go back to chief of police with Doug Pinelli.”
Pinelli’s retirement in 2024 happened quickly and the borough did not have time to prepare for his retirement.
There were two choices presented to council – civilian police director of public safety or chief of police. There are limitations with a civilian police director as they do not have the same powers as sworn officers. They cannot perform traffic stops, engage in patrol activities, answer calls for service or detain people.
At the time the borough waited for officers to be ready to step into the demands of chief. They went with the officer-in-charge designation.
“Daryl [Burroughs] really proved himself so we made him lieutenant. There were meetings he was not able to attend as sergeant first class that he could now as lieutenant,” Chandler added.
“He has really proved himself and to all council members that he was ready to take on the position of chief of police. There was no concern about Daryl’s ability to take on the role of chief of police when we were discussing models.”
In her perspective, Chandler said she believes the chief of police model is the best model for the borough.
“I think we are too small for a civilian director. Directors are not law enforcement and can’t step in,” she noted. “Where a chief of police can really do the administration requirements and do the necessary police work.”
That same night another Pennington police officer received a promotion – Det. Dan D’Ascoli. D’Ascoli has been promoted to sergeant after serving as detective.
“This well-earned. Officer D’Ascoli has really made his presence known and welcome in Pennington Borough,” Chandler added. “Very happy to have him with us and very happy to support this promotion to sergeant.”
Borough Attorney Walter Bliss administered his oath of office as he now has become Burroughs number two in the police department.
“Thank you. I appreciate it,” D’Ascoli said. “I want to thank mayor and council and soon to be chief Daryl Burroughs and everyone involved for the trust and confidence you have placed in me. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity. I don’t take this responsibility lightly. I’m proud to serve the community of Pennington and look forward to continuing to lead by example.”
D’Ascoli noted that he will continue to support Pennington’s officers, do what is best for the department, and the entire community.
“I look forward to working with you all. Thank you very much,” he added.
He will have an annual salary close to $113,000.
“This is a great personnel move for sure,” Davy said.
Chandler said to the Hopewell Valley News that D’Ascoli being promoted to sergeant speaks to his ability to step up and step forward.
“I think it helps Daryl out to have a strong sergeant by your side to learn as he goes and takes on additional responsibilities,” she said.
